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Non-denominational Christianity isn't our
plea. There are many who pound fists into pulpits demanding it.
Others paint the phrase on an attractive sign. I most confess
my profession against it. Un-denominational Christianity
is what the New Testament church is for. What's the difference
is the question begged? Be assured, this article is not about
splitting hairs.
Denominationalism For centuries the Catholic Church, with her Pope
and traditions, dominates the world. Cyprian advocates papal primacy
as far back as 250 AD. In 1059 the College of Cardinals is officially
born, and roughly twenty years later the Pope gains his maximum
supremacy in church and state power. Times are good for the priesthood
for almost half a century. Then, a fellow by the name of Martin
Luther hammers his Thesis to the door.
Denominationalism is born in the respected atmosphere
of independent thinkers. Reformation sweeps the European landscape.
The Lutheran Church was born in 1530, as my history sheet records
it. Then rise the Presbyterians (1536), Mennonites (1537), Baptists
(1611), Amish (1700), Methodists (1739) and Universalists (1779).
People are reading published copies of the Bible, thanks to Gutenberg.
The nineteenth century births record numbers of protestant groups:
Methodists (1845), Church of God (1830, 1886), Nazarene Church
(1895), Pentecostal Holiness (1898), Salvation Army (1876), and
it keeps going. There are pro's and con's to the protestant movement.
They are right to protest the papacy and traditionalism of the
Catholic Church. They are wrong to denominate. We respect their
determination to seek truth from God's Word, for themselves. Their
independence is truly admired. However, we call them to restore
true New Testament Christianity.
To denominate is to divide something into name
parts. Hence, in the religious world denominationalism is the
attempt to divide the Church into various groups or classes of
Christian religion. It says Christ is divided, as is His body
of believers.
Jesus Says So Denominationalism is contrary to the nature of
God's church, because He designed her to be a united body. "Every
kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation,"
Jesus preaches, "and every city or house divided against
itself will not stand" (Matthew 12:25). It simply does not
compute that God was built His church, which is also called in
Scripture kingdom, city and house of God, knowing it would be
divided and consequently fall apart.
I was reading Jesus' prayer in John 17 to a denominational
preacher. When I ask him if he thought God answer it. He says,
"No." This is what Jesus prayed:
I do not pray for these alone, but also for those
who will believe in Me through their word; that they all may be
one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may
be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me (Jo.
17:20-21).
Jesus prayed for unity, so that the world may
be converted and God may be glorified. My denominational friend
says God refused our Lord's request.
Holy Spirit Says So According to the Holy Spirit:
Question: Can I become a Baptist by studying Lutheranism?
Can I become a Methodist by studying Presbyterianism? Can I become
a Christian only by studying the Bible only? Then, why not do
that?
What's Wrong With Non-Denominationalism It is the concept that we can be united by simply
agreeing to disagree. Non-denominationalism opens fellowship,
partnership, between the various groups despite religious differences.
It is the ultimate form of the doctrine, "salvation by grace
alone." The kind of unity sought after here is not true unity;
it is mere togetherness. Genuine unity can only be had in the
Truth (1 John 1:7). False unity is not a biblical goal.
The Bible will in certain cases demand division.
God commands partnering ties to be broken in these passages: Romans
16:17,18; Ephesians 5:11; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1. We are explicitly
commanded to separate ourselves from falsehood. Again, unity can
only be had in truth. That's why Jesus prayed, "Sanctify
them by Your truth, Your word is truth" (John 17:17). Hence,
unity is the result of a higher goal unity with God (1 John 1:7-9).
Biblical Answer To Religious Division Undenominational Christianity is the removal of
denominationalism altogether. The church we read of in the New
Testament is not a denomination. It is the creation of God as
the pillar and ground of truth itself (1 Timothy 3:15). Rubber
meets the road with this question, "Do we follow men or Christ?"
Please read 1 Corinthians 1:10-17 where the apostle Paul addresses
this timeless issue.
Understanding the nature of truth itself demands
our attention. Philosophical theologians want us duped into thinking
we can never really ascertain truth. Truth, however, inherently
cannot contradict itself. And, if only those who know it can be
set free from sin slavery (John 8:34), it must be ascertainable
else salvation is impossible. If that, God lies. But, God does
not fib when He says He so loves us that He sent the Son. Thus,
Jesus says sincere Bible students will know the truth and be liberated
thereby (John 8:32). One truth yields one church.
Undenominational Christianity therefore does away
with the creeds and doctrines of men (Acts 17:23; Matthew 15:12;
Mark 7:7). The strong delusion of 2 Thessalonians 2:10 is only
lifted when hearts and minds turn to God. Christendom, as they
call it, is divided and will eventually fall. But, against the
true church of Jesus Christ hell shall not prevail (Matthew 16:18).
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